German Phrase
Lies dir den Mietvertrag gut durch, bevor du unterschreibst.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to read the rental contract thoroughly before putting their signature on it. It emphasizes careful reading ("gut durchlesen") to avoid hidden clauses or unfavorable terms.
When to use
Use this phrase when you or a friend is about to sign a lease for an apartment, a house, or any rented property. It’s also handy in a professional setting when a landlord or property manager reminds tenants to review the agreement.
✦Grammar Breakdown
LiesdirdenMietvertraggutdurch,bevorduunterschreibst.
Imperative + Reflexive Dative
In German, some verbs (like "sich etwas durchlesen") take a reflexive pronoun in the dative when the object is accusative. The command form drops the verb ending –‑> "Lies dir ... durch".
Separable Verb "durchlesen"
The verb "durchlesen" splits in main clauses: the prefix "durch" moves to the end of the clause, while the stem "lies" stays in the imperative position.
Subordinate Clause with "bevor"
"Bevor" introduces a temporal subordinate clause; the verb in that clause goes to the end ("unterschreibst").
Word Order in Imperatives
In an imperative sentence, the verb comes first, followed by any objects or adverbials. The reflexive pronoun (dative) precedes the accusative object.
🗨In Conversation
Lies dir den Mietvertrag gut durch, bevor du unterschreibst.
Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign.
Mach ich, ich will nicht später überrascht werden.
I will, I don’t want to be surprised later.
✕Common Mistakes
Lies du den Mietvertrag gut durch, bevor du unterschreibst.
In the imperative you drop the subject pronoun; using "du" makes the sentence sound like a statement, not a command.
Lies dir den Mietvertrag gut lesen, bevor du unterschreibst.
You cannot combine "durch" with "lesen" again; the correct separable verb is "durchlesen" split as "Lies ... durch".
Lies dir den Mietvertrag gut durch, bevor du unterschreiben.
After "bevor" the verb must be in the final position and conjugated ("unterschreibst").
↔Alternatives
Lies den Mietvertrag gründlich, bevor du unterschreibst.
Read the rental contract thoroughly before you sign.
Schau dir den Mietvertrag genau an, bevor du unterschreibst.
Take a close look at the rental agreement before you sign.
Bitte den Mietvertrag aufmerksam durchlesen, bevor du unterschreibst.
Please read the rental contract attentively before you sign.
Cultural Tip
In Germany the Mietvertrag (rental contract) is a legally binding document that often includes clauses about rent increases, subletting, and termination periods. Tenants are expected to read it fully; courts usually side with the written contract, not with verbal promises. Therefore, saying "Lies dir den Mietvertrag gut durch" reflects a common, prudent attitude in German-speaking countries.